The dangers of drunk-driving and the importance of wearing a seat-belt

The dangers of drunk-driving and the importance of wearing a seat-belt

A 15 year-old Tampa boy, Edwin Rodriguez, is in serious condition after an accident on Tuesday, May 29, 2012 in Hillsborough County. At around 10:45 p.m., 19 year-old Miguel Angelo Rivera was driving his 2001 Pontiac Grand Am under the influence of alcohol northbound on Dale Mabry Highway when he lost control of his vehicle and spun through the median into the southbound lanes of traffic. Rivera’s vehicle collided with a 2005 Hyundai Elantra, driven by 46 year-old Lonnie James Glover. Fifteen year-old Edwin Rodriguez, along with seventeen year-olds Eugene Larry Miller and Angela Leeann Olgesby, were passengers in Glover’s vehicle. Edwin Rodriguez was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle as a result of the crash. The drunk-driver, Rivera, was taken to the Hillsborough County Jail where he was charged with DUI, three counts of DUI injury, two counts of DUI property damage, driving with a suspended driver’s license and careless driving.

This accident reminds us all of the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or any other impairing substance. This accident also reminds us of the extreme importance of wearing a seat-belt. Besides being illegal, failing to wear a seat-belt also drastically increases the chances of being severely injured in a car accident. Unfortunately, in this case, the failure to wear a seat-belt resulted in Edwin Rodriguez being ejected from the vehicle in which he was a passenger. Please encourage your friends and loved ones to always wear a seat-belt. And of course, never drive while under the influence of alcohol or any other impairing substance.

Unfortunately, you cannot control the actions of others on the road. If you, a loved one, or a friend is injured because of the negligence of another, please do not hesitate to contact an attorney at Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes, P.A. We have been representing the injured and serving the Tampa Bay community since 1955. You deserve to have a qualified and experienced attorney representing you in your case. Contact us today. The consultation is always free and the attorney you meet will be the attorney handling your case. Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes – We will see you through.